Grad Student Moving to St. Louis (Clayton: rental, crime, safe area)

[alicat234]

I'm moving to StL to start grad school at WashU. I am unfamiliar with the area and know the areas around campus can be a bit sketchy in some places. I'm looking at a place on Kingsland about 2 blocks north of Delmar. I know it's never going to be perfect, but is this a decently safe area to live? Will I feel comfortable walking from my car to into my building at night? Thanks!

[MOforthewin]

Originally Posted by alicat234

I'm moving to StL to start grad school at WashU. I am unfamiliar with the area and know the areas around campus can be a bit sketchy in some places. I'm looking at a place on Kingsland about 2 blocks north of Delmar. I know it's never going to be perfect, but is this a decently safe area to live? Will I feel comfortable walking from my car to into my building at night? Thanks!

I wouldn't recommend anywhere around there. Not saying it's super dangerous but there is crime. I would also consider carrying a firearm as well. In Missouri no permit is needed for concealed carry if you're 19. Some of the most lax gun laws in the country. If you're not familiar with firearms I'd get some training then or have a family member teach you.

[wustu87]

There are actually quite a few graduate students living in the streets in that area (south of Vernon, between Eastgate and Kingsland.) It is really not that bad of an area but there is definitely occasional crime there, especially later at night, but that is true of all the rental areas around campus, especially to the north and east. If it generally safer and quieter the further south and west you get from Danforth campus, but it also gets quite expensive fairly quickly in Clayton.

It is against university policy to carry a firearm on campus, and I sure hope our grad students are not "packing heat" here in our department!

[STL1980]

I lived at Kingsland and Clemens a few years after college in 2005 or so. I never had any issues and you can easily walk to the Loop and to the Wash U campus. It's only gotten better since then. I wouldn't be any more worried than you would in any other major US city. Lots of Grad students in this area as was previously mentioned.

[STL74]

I had friends living there when I was student in the 90s. It’s better now. I wouldn’t be anymore worried than any other urban area. Don’t leave things unlocked, be aware, don’t leave valuables in the car.

[kipfilet]

I know several friends who live there and they seem to like it/be fine. As other said there will be some crime there but you can mostly avoid it with common sense.

[heresjohnnee]

I love that area. I was born and raised here so if you have any specific questions about living in St. Louis, or moving to St. Louis - especially neighborhood specific questions - feel free to get in touch. You might also find this video helpful: https://johnvoirolgroup.com/blog/mov...ns-you-should/